This chicken and wild rice casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice, reminiscent of classic Pioneer Woman recipes. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect family meal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love!
If you’re a fan of comforting casserole recipes like we are, you’ll also adore our Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas for a Southwestern twist.
Chicken and wild rice casserole served in a white dish, garnished with fresh herbs.
A Timeless Family Favorite Casserole
This chicken and wild rice casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition. A recipe that echoes the warmth and simplicity of home cooking, it’s been cherished by families for years. Originally shared in September 2010 and a reader favorite ever since, this casserole has become a go-to dish for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Its popularity is no surprise – it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and even freezer-friendly for future meals! For those who prefer a different rice, steamed white rice is a perfectly acceptable substitute for wild rice, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful casserole.
Why This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a Must-Try
- Pure Comfort in Every Bite: This casserole embodies comfort food at its finest. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with hearty chicken and rice, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that soothe the soul.
- A Hearty and Satisfying Meal: Perfect for feeding a hungry family, this casserole is packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling full and satisfied. It’s a complete meal in one dish!
- Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep: Not only is this casserole delicious fresh out of the oven, but it also makes fantastic leftovers. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Looking for more casserole inspiration? Don’t miss our Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole for another family-pleasing option! For daily recipe ideas and inspiration, follow Picky Palate on Instagram.
Ingredients for Your Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting casserole. For detailed measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor from the base.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the casserole and add a subtle savory note.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery provides a delicate crunch and aromatic depth.
- Carrots: Diced to match the size of the celery and onion, carrots add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the vegetables with its pungent and savory aroma.
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, offering convenience and rich flavor.
- Cooked White Rice: Choose your favorite type – Basmati or Jasmine rice work wonderfully.
- Cooked Wild Rice Blend: For an authentic flavor, use a wild rice blend. If unavailable, substitute with more white rice or brown rice.
- Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Salt: These seasonings are crucial for enhancing the overall taste profile of the casserole.
- Salted Butter: Forms the base of the creamy cheese sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, thickening the cheese sauce to perfect consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Reduced sodium chicken broth provides a flavorful liquid base for the cheese sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar cheese melts beautifully and offers a classic cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Sautéing diced carrots, celery, and onions in a large pot on a stovetop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Get Started: Preheat Your Oven to 350°F.
1. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables soften, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Rice, Chicken, and Seasonings: Incorporate cooked chicken, white rice, wild rice blend, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic salt into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently.
Making a roux by whisking flour into melted butter in a saucepan.
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: While the rice mixture simmers, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Adding shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy cheese sauce in a saucepan.
4. Melt in the Cheese and Combine: Continue whisking the cheese sauce until it thickens and is nearly boiling. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the cooked rice and chicken mixture in the Dutch oven, stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Chicken and wild rice casserole in a baking dish, ready for the oven.
5. Top with Cheese and Bake to Golden Perfection: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Chicken and wild rice casserole served in a white dish, garnished with fresh herbs.
Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, comforting masterpiece!
Tips for Casserole Success
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken significantly cuts down on prep time. Simply shred it and add it to the casserole mixture.
- Prep Veggies Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process, especially on busy weeknights.
- Double the Batch for Freezing: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a convenient future meal. It’s a lifesaver on those days when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
- Share the Comfort: This casserole is a wonderful dish to bring to neighbors or friends in need of a comforting meal. Double the recipe and share the love!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Rice Casserole
This versatile casserole is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a satisfying weeknight dinner, a comforting Sunday supper, or a crowd-pleasing dish for weekend gatherings. For a complete and balanced meal, pair it with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp side salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
Freezing and Storing Your Casserole
Freezing Instructions: To freeze this casserole, prepare it according to the recipe up to the point of baking. Allow it to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add the topping cheese just before baking as instructed.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a simple yet incredibly delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 534kcal
Author: Jenny
Cost: $45
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Spoon
- Large Skillet/Fry Pan
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 cups steamed white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
- 16 ounces cooked wild rice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken, both rices, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- To prepare cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk until sauce thickens and is nearly boiling. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour cheese sauce over the cooked rice mixture in the Dutch oven. Stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 958mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4690IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 525mg | Iron: 1.4mg
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